Cheesemaker Saputo closing two plants in Alberta and two in the U.S.

MONTREAL – Cheesemaker Saputo Inc. (TSX:SAP) is closing four of its plants — two in Alberta and two in the United States — and shifting production elsewhere in its operations.

The company says about 180 employees will be affected by the move.

The plants are in Wetaskiwin and Glenwood, Alta., New London, Wisc., and Hancock, Md.

The company says the workers will be given severance and outplacement support and some will be offered the possibility of transferring to other Saputo locations.

Saputo says costs connected with the closures will total about $19.8 million after taxes. The moves are expected to save about $4.8 million a year.

The company also said it expects to spend $35 million on new fixed assets in other Saputo plants in connection with the decision.